Toronto - Philosophy professor Cheryl Misak has been appointed vice-president and provost of the University of Toronto. Her term as the university's chief academic officer begins February 1, 2009 and continues through to June 30, 2012.

Misak has served as interim provost since last July, helping guide the university through an unexpectedly difficult period of economic uncertainty. A Rhodes Scholar from Alberta, Misak is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and is internationally renowned for the quality of her academic writings.

"As interim provost, Professor Misak has shown exemplary leadership, necessary firmness, and equanimity in a very difficult economic environment, " President David Naylor said today after Misak's appointment was approved by Governing Council. "The university is confident that her leadership skills and unique knowledge of our institution will serve us well through the challenges and opportunities we face over the next few years."

Jack Petch, chair of Governing Council, offered congratulations to the new pProvost.

"Given the provost's senior role in governance, the council is looking forward to the prospect of working with Professor Misak in the coming years," he said. "On behalf of the Governing Council, I'd like to extend to her our best wishes and support."

The provost acts as chief academic and budget officer for the university and works closely with the president to ensure the smooth operation of academic affairs.

"It's an honour to be asked to serve the university at such a critical juncture in its history," said Misak. "I'm keen to continue to work with our excellent faculty, staff, students, governors and senior administrative team to move the university forward along its impressive trajectory."

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Misak has held a variety of highly successful academic administrative positions over the years. Prior to her appointment as Interim provost, she served as deputy provost from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. She has also played key leadership roles at the University of Toronto at Mississauga, first as vice-principal and dean, from 2003 to 2006, and as acting vice-president and principal from 2006 to 2007.

During her three years as chair of the Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and Science, beginning in the 2000-01 academic year, she worked tirelessly to establish the department as one of UofT's finest academic units and one of the top-ranked departments in the world.